Kim Soo-hyun’s management agency, Gold Medalist, has initiated legal proceedings against the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute and the relatives of the deceased actress Kim Sae-ron. A formal criminal complaint was lodged on March 20, targeting YouTuber Kim Se-ui and family members of Kim Sae-ron.
The allegations pertain to violations under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, specifically regarding the unauthorized distribution of a video that included footage of Kim Soo-hyun taken without his consent. This complaint arises from a controversial broadcast by the Garosero Research Institute, which displayed an intimate photo of the actor allegedly taken at Kim Sae-ron’s residence.
“These photos were taken when actor Kim Soo-hyun was dating the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was an adult, and they are photos that show parts of actor Kim Soo-hyun’s body that can cause sexual shame. They should not be released to the public, and there is no reason for them to be released,”the agency commented.
Initially, Gold Medalist refrained from legal action out of respect for Kim Sae-ron after her passing. However, citing the seriousness of the situation, they stated:
“Distributing unauthorized photos of actor Kim Soo-hyun’s body is a serious act that cannot be overlooked, and there is concern that this will happen again in the future, so we have no choice but to file a complaint against the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron.”
Deepening Conflict in the Aftermath of Kim Sae-ron’s Death
The tensions between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s family have escalated in the aftermath of the actress’s tragic death on February 16, 2025. The growing discord was magnified when Kim Sae-ron’s aunt appeared on the Garosero Research Institute’s platform on March 10, claiming that the couple had a six-year relationship starting when Sae-ron was a minor. Furthermore, she alleged that Gold Medalist initially compensated Kim Sae-ron with 700 million KRW for damages related to her 2022 DUI incident, only to later demand repayment through legal channels in 2024.
The family asserted that the financial burdens and the emotional turmoil contributed to Kim Sae-ron’s untimely death. Amid this conflict, the Garosero Research Institute published several photos they argued served as evidence for these allegations.
Among these images was one depicting a man, believed to be Kim Soo-hyun, partially undressed at Kim Sae-ron’s home, leading to speculation and accusations of inappropriate conduct directed at the actor.
In an official response, Gold Medalist confirmed the romantic history between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron but strongly rejected the idea that they began dating while Sae-ron was underage. They clarified that any romantic involvement commenced in 2019, after she had reached adulthood.
The situation intensified with a report from Dispatch on March 12, suggesting that some claims made by Kim Sae-ron’s family were substantiated. The Garosero Research Institute continued to release alleged letters and images purported to affirm their narrative, fueling an already divided public opinion.
As if the existing tensions were not enough, on March 17, 2025, Kim Sae-ron’s family pursued a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber who suggested that the late actress had fabricated details about her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. They demanded an apology, asserting that the misleading information further harmed their family’s reputation.
The unfolding controversy is starting to impact Kim Soo-hyun’s career. Reports indicate that the production team behind the variety show Good Day, hosted by G-Dragon, has reduced his screen appearances, while the release of his Disney+ series, Knock-Off, initially slated for April 2025, is now uncertain.
As legal battles loom and public scrutiny intensifies, both parties remain steadfast in their respective positions. The coming weeks are expected to witness continued legal maneuvering and further investigations into this complex, evolving saga.